New ECDIS features improved interface

The new model comes in two versions, the FMD-3200 with 19in LCD display and FMD-3300 with 23.1in screen. It is said to offer a streamlined chart management scheme, providing easy chart management independent of the chart providers. It will be compatible with Jeppesen Dynamic Licensing and support the Admiralty Information Overlay (AIO), and satisfies requirements for paperless ship operation.

According to Furuno, the FMD-3200 and FMD-3300 employ intelligently arranged graphic user interface elements: a status bar and an instant access bar that deliver task-based operation scheme to give the operator direct access to necessary operational procedure. The status bar at the top of the screen provides operating status, including modes of operation and presentation. The instant access bar on the left edge of the screen provides quick access to functions available in each of the ECDIS operating modes. The contents of the instant access bar change according to the operating modes selected on the status bar. The company says that this streamlines the navigation monitoring procedure, by avoiding complex menu structures, reducing the risk of confusion and erroneous operation as well as enhancing situation awareness. Another new feature is a high-speed drawing engine that delivers instantaneous chart redraw with seamless zooming and panning.

Operation is by a trackball, designed to operate with similar logic to the mouse that users are accustomed to with a PC, enabling all operations to be controlled means of left-clicking, right-clicking and using a thumbwheel. A full QWERTY style keyboard is available in the control unit for route, event and waypoint naming.

As well as all ECDIS functions, the units offer a conning information display and the option of operating as a radar or chart radar, with an alert management system to be implemented later.